No Shave November ended, but your scruff stuck around. Maybe your girl liked it, maybe it added some swagger to your step, or possibly you were just too damn lazy to pick up a razor. One way or another, that baby face of yours has some newfound growth that you’re just not sure how to maintain. You’re in luck. Ohio rapper Stalleyhappen to be the proud owner of one of the best beards in hip-hop. We hit up the Maybach Music / Blue Collar Gang rapper (and pick designer) to drop some knowledge on what you need to make a long-term commitment to facial hair.

GQ: Besides washing, what do you do to keep your facial hair looking fresh?

Stalley: I have a great barber named Sherman in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. He uses Andis clippers and a straight razor. He’s been cutting my hair for about 13 years now.

GQ: Any other products you use? Oils, etc.?

Stalley: No other products but pure confidence and a handsome face.

GQ: Lastly, what advice do you have for someone who’s looking to make a long-term beard-growth commitment?

Stalley: It’s pretty simple advice – just patience and let it grow.

Fast forward into 2017, the Blue Collar Gang CEO gives us a audio glimpse of his forthcoming album, New Wave, with the newest single below. You’ll want to make sure you’re pressing the gas with the windows down on this one.

We hear this word time and time again. Whether at your girl’s house, stepping into Kiehl’s, or browsing the net. But facial scrub aka exfoliating isn’t just a buzz word to sell products. It actually works and is one of the most critical processes for a better skincare routine.

According to Shear & Shine, “exfoliating sheds hundreds of dead cells on a daily basis, this can clog up pores and lead to bumps/pimples. By exfoliating regularly you clear your skin of any debris, including product build up and allow the new layer of fresh skin to be exposed. If you shave often then you definitely need to exfoliate as this will help to reduce the risk of ingrown hair/razor bumps.”

As a barber, I got onto facial scrubs a couple years back and have been implementing that into my schedule. Think of exfoliating as setting up that Jordan / Curry jump shot. Your foot placement determines your level of elevation thus aiming for nothing but net. So whether you deal with super oily or flaky skin (like me), discoloration, wrinkles, or those horrid razor bumps, make sure to slip a facial scrub into shopping cart. As tempting it may be to simply slab a moisturizer on, the exfoliating scrub is the prerequisite that may be just what you need.

By scrubbing off dead skin, you not only unclog pores and brighten the complexion, you are also exposing hair follicles, allowing for a closer shave and eliminating ingrown hairs.” – Alex Grogan, Co-founder of ManCave

Power moves of exfoliators:

Removes dirt / grime

Ingrown hair / razor bump reducer (apply beforehand)

Dry-flakey skin solution

Regenerates skin coloration

Best times to use:

After a workout

Before you start your workday

In the shower

Early morning / before date night

Below I’ve listed some personal recommendations that cut right into what you’re looking for. A handful of available of this options are made available at Birchbox Man.

Groom Guy Tip: I usually use my facial scrub while I’m showering. The steam from the shower opens up my pores and perfect launchpad to using the scrub effectively.